In the Twin Cities art scene this weekend, Public Functionary offers free film screenings, panels and workshops led by local Black, Indigenous and filmmakers of color that aim to nurture the artist in everyone.
At Indigenous Roots Cafe, an open mic invites community members to reflect on and “give flowers” to their elders, while a pop-up market at Eat Street Crossing showcases vintage fashion, handmade jewelry, Japanese-Hawaiian dishes, and more.
“Love is like….”, directed by Ibimina Dominique Thompson, will be shown at “Open Screen: The Forum” at Public Functionary in Minneapolis.
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Free film series highlights BIPOC creatives
Public Functionary will host a three-week film and photography series, “Open Screen: The Forum,” highlighting work by Black, Indigenous and other filmmakers of color and free workshops. This weekend’s program includes 12 screenings, an artist panel, and an immersive art installation inspired by memories of visits to a grandmother’s home.
On Friday, May 2, “Ua Ke: A Constellation of Intimate Truths” brings together stories exploring identity, memory and community — from the journeys of Afghan and Hmong resettlement to meditations on ancestry, land and the impact of police violence in Minneapolis. On Saturday, May 3, filmmakers share their creative process in a 4 p.m. panel, followed by a 6 p.m. screening of “Framed Differently,” a film series that challenges reductive narratives of Indigenous life and culture.
Looking ahead, the series will feature an experimental animation workshop and a Black queer movie night on Friday, May 9; a screenwriters circle on Saturday, May 10; and a photography workshop followed by the Mamá Papaya film series on migrant motherhood in Minnesota on Sunday, May 11.
Date: Thursday, May 1, through Sunday, May 18
Time: Various times for different events
Location: 1500 Jackson St. N.E., Studio 144, Minneapolis
Cost: Free
For more information: Visit publicfunctionary.org/openscreenforum2025
Venus, a beginner violinist, performs at Soul Session #10 on Dec. 6, 2024 at Indigenous Roots.
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Soul food, poetry and live music for a cause
Orisun Arts and Wellness hosts monthly gatherings of live music and poetry every first Friday, with proceeds supporting local nonprofits dedicated to community wellness. This Friday’s session, titled “Give Flowers,” honors the wisdom and traditions of elders, featuring performances by guitarist Michael Lee Jr., poet Max Lopez and jazz-gospel band The Unit. The evening will also include an open mic for the first 10 community members who sign up to share their work. Homemade soul food and drinks will be available, and all proceeds from the event will support “Her Education Project,” a youth-led nonprofit focused on reproductive health care, and “Friends & Co,” which offers companionship to seniors.
An attendee of Nova Pop-up gazes at paintings by Afrodisiax.
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Pop-up market highlights local artists and entrepreneurs
Nova Pop-Up, a market that connects local artists and entrepreneurs with the Minneapolis community, returns to Eat Street Crossing with a curated selection of 26 arts vendors. Shoppers can browse handcrafted accessories, jewelry, fragrances, beauty products, art prints, vintage fashion and more. The market also features food from the Eat Street Crossing’s seven food options offering sushi, Vietnamese noodle soup, Japanese-Hawaiian food, boba drinks, and Mexican tacos, along with six additional vendors offering baked goods, coffee, homemade pickles, hand-drawn macarons and more. A photo booth will also be on-site.
Date: Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: 2819 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis
Cost: Free
For more information: Visit instagram.com/novapopup.